How Many People Live in South Korea?

South Korea has a population of approximately 51.7 million people and holds the world record for the lowest fertility rate of any country, ever. In 2023, the fertility rate dropped to 0.72 children per woman. In Seoul, it fell to 0.55. No country in recorded history has had a fertility rate this low.

The Korean government has spent over over $200 billion (280 trillion won) on pro-natalist policies since 2006. None of it has worked. Young Koreans cite the "five give-ups" (dating, marriage, children, home, hope) as describing their generation.

📊 Key Demographics

🏙️ What Are South Koreas Largest Cities?

The 0.72 crisis

To understand how extreme 0.72 is: replacement level is 2.1. Japan's crisis-level rate is 1.20. Italy's is 1.24. South Korea is at 0.72. If sustained, the population would halve in 50 years. The government has declared a "national emergency" but has no working solution. Young Koreans cite the "five give-ups" (dating, marriage, children, home, hope). Cost of raising a child in Seoul birth to 18: $300,000. Average starting salary: $30,000.

South Korea vs East Asia

🎮 South Korea Treats Internet Addiction as a Public Health Crisis

South Korea has the highest internet penetration rate in the world (over 97%) and was one of the first countries to recognize internet addiction as a clinical disorder. The government runs over 200 counseling centers for internet and gaming addiction. A \"shutdown law\" (now repealed) once banned children under 16 from online gaming between midnight and 6 AM. The average South Korean spends over 5 hours per day on their smartphone, the highest rate in the developed world.